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The expectations on modern UI tools are high. Ideally, they combine screen design, prototyping, developer hand-off and collaboration features seamlessly in one app - and are also better than their countless competitors. But which tool does that best? To find out, we take a look at the most popular UI and Prototyping Tools 2021:
Adobe XD was developed by Adobe Inc and released on October 18, 2018. The tool is available for Mac and windows, and is even free to use in its basic version. Those who need all the functionalities can purchase the full version starting at 11,89€/month. It offers a user-friendly, minimalistic user interface for wireframing and screen design, in which interactive click prototypes can also be easily created. XD has all the functionalities you need and impresses with some that other tools don't have yet - such as voice UI tools. In addition it offers the possibility to create simple animations.
Another plus is the seamless workflow integration with other Adobe tools - the proximity to the Adobe Tools definitely also makes it easier for experienced Adobe users to get started with the program. Nevertheless, the usage is a bit bumpy in places - the shape tool is very basic and the organization of the symbols is definitely better solved in other tools.
The Danish company Bohemian Coding, developed and initially released the program Sketch on September 7, 2010. Since it overtook Photoshop, Sketch has been the pioneer in UI design tools. And there's a reason for that: Sketch was a revolution for UI design, setting new standards for with intuitive tools like artboards, symbols, and export presets. Sketch is successful and a true expert when it comes to designing wireframes as well as sophisticated visuals cleanly and quickly. Once you get used to the intuitive work and Sketch's user-friendly UI, you won't want to miss it.
Its position as a leader is not unchallenged - up-and-coming competitors are building on the standards set by Sketch and now have innovative functionalities such as prototyping and live collaboration that are missing from Sketch. If you want to do the whole UI design process in Sketch, you have to work with plugins. For the collaborative work, there is now Sketch for Teams, but the real innovations in UI design mostly come from other vendors. Further shortcomings are the steep price of 99 euros per year per license and the fact that Sketch is still only available for Mac.
Figma appeared on the market in 2016 as the first and so far only completely browser-based UI design tool. It offers fluid, real-time collaboration that eliminates the need for complicated version management. But it's not just the simpler teamwork that's impressive. Figma's coherent user interface and range of practical tools quickly made it a promising competitor among UI tools. Figma offers a holistic solution from wireframing to developer handoff and does a lot of things better than the forerunner Sketch - more practical icons, easy file sharing and developer handoff support. One drawback of the tool, however, can be that work can only be done online, especially since local caches can hinder teamwork. For individuals with up to 3 projects, the tool is free, the upgrade to unlimited projects and teams is available from 12 euros per month.
First released in 2019, InVision Studio is a relatively new UI design tool. It's permanently free for smaller teams, and costs $8 per month per team member for larger teams. Even though it started as a Mac tool, it is now available for Windows as well. What makes inVision particularly valuable is that prototypes with more complex animations and microinteractions can be created in the program. These can be more varied than in any other tool. But also in other matters, InVision is definitely worth looking at: a clean user interface packed with all the features we already know from other tools and don't want to miss. The symbols are similar to those in Figma, and the layout is as clean and intuitive as that of Sketch. Additionally, it offers InVision Specs - a platform that guarantees a seamless transition from design to development.
With this complete package, inVision has rapidly gained popularity. However, there is already some criticism: the various functionalities are not fully developed and do not integrate well with each other. Despite a lot of feedback, the tool is not improving as hoped, some functions are added only after years of pleading. Nevertheless, it remains the only tool that combines design, prototyping and animations - and thus definitely has advantages.
But which UI design and prototyping tool is the best? There is no clear answer to this question. Rather, it depends on what the project requires and what preferences, needs and limitations the designers bring with them.
For example, I would prefer Sketch for complex design projects, for which an elaborate screen design is created, and Figma for a team that wants to work in a lively exchange and needs first prototypes. For smaller teams or solo designers who want to get started quickly, Adobe XD might be the best choice. And if an impressive, modern prototype needs to be animated, InVision Studio might be best.
But if you consider all aspects - and want a tool that comes as close as possible to a smooth all-in-one package - Figma cuts a really strong figure. And holds out the prospect of getting even better.
